A New Eurasian Union: Mission Impossible?

What is the future of the Eurasian Union presently promoted by Russia’s authorities? The presentation will focus on the economic and financial aspects of the Union and discuss various obstacles related to its implementation. The political and socio-cultural problems with which this endeavour is confronted will also be discussed, including the anti-Russian identity constructs in the new independent states, migration issues and Russia’s Asia drive. In conclusion, forging a Eurasian Union would entail “imperial” and “integration” elements that under current conditions are not compatible. Special attention will be paid to recent events in Ukraine and possible develop­ments in Belarus.

Vladislav Inozemtsev is Professor at Moscow State Lomonossov University and Director of the Centre of Post-Industrial Studies in Moscow; he is an IWM alumnus and a guest in the Institute’s Russia in Global Dialogue in March 2014.